Laundry treating apparatus

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a laundry treating apparatus. The laundry treating apparatus includes: a housing; a tub disposed inside the housing and having an extended cylindrical shape; a drum rotatably disposed on the tub; a driving part disposed below the tub and connected to the drum; a first bracket extending from the housing toward the tub, having a first through hole opened up and down, and having a cutout connected to the first through hole in an outer circumferential wall; a second bracket extending from the tub toward the housing, spaced apart from a lower side of the first bracket, and having a second through-hole opened up and down; and a suspension extending between the first bracket and the second bracket and connected to the first bracket and the second bracket. The suspension includes: an upper block disposed in an upper portion of the first bracket; a lower block disposed below the second bracket; a connecting bar passing through the upper block and the lower block, extending in a longitudinal direction of the tub, and having a diameter smaller than a width of the cutout; a spring extending along an up-down direction, disposed below the upper block, and surrounding the connecting bar; and a middle block disposed between the upper block and the spring to be movable downward with respect to the upper block, and having the connecting passing therethrough.

BACKGROUND Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates to a laundry treating apparatus.

Related Art

In general, a laundry treating apparatus is a concept including an apparatus for washing clothes (an object to wash, an object to dry), an apparatus for drying clothes, and an apparatus for performing washing and drying of clothes. Meanwhile, recently, in order to wash and/or dry a large amount of objects at a time, the capacity of the tub and the drum in the laundry treating apparatus is increasing.

If a small amount of objects is processed using a general laundry treating apparatus, it may lead to a waste of water and power consumption.

Accordingly, a low-capacity laundry treating apparatus is being developed that is designed to have a width equal to or similar to that of a general laundry treating apparatus, and designed to have a smaller height than a general laundry treating apparatus, and disposed above or below the general laundry treating apparatus.

In the case of the low-capacity laundry treating apparatus, it is necessary to increase the height of the tub disposed inside the case in order to process a larger amount of laundry inside the case having a limited height.

However, as the height of the tub increases, there is a problem in that the vibration generated from the tub is amplified in the vertical direction and/or in the direction crossing the vertical direction, and a suspension is disposed between the tub and the case to reduce the amplified vibration.

However, since the conventional suspension is installed at a limited height to avoid interference with other components, vibration generated from the tub cannot be effectively removed, and there is a problem in that the suspension is shaken by the vibration generated from the tub.

In addition, the conventional laundry treating apparatus has a problem in that it is difficult to install the suspension in a narrow space having a limited height, even if a suspension having a spring is used to solve the above problem.

SUMMARY

An aspect of the present disclosure is to solve the above and other problems.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a laundry treating apparatus for attenuating vibration of a tub.

Yet another aspect of the present disclosure provides a laundry treating apparatus for attenuating vibration of a washing machine having a tub with a height smaller than a width.

Yet another object of the present disclosure provides a laundry treating apparatus including a suspension having a spring.

Yet another aspect of the present disclosure provides a laundry treating apparatus capable of minimizing shaking of a suspension.

Yet another aspect of the present disclosure provides a laundry treating apparatus capable of enabling easy assembling of a suspension to a case and a tub.

Yet another aspect of the present disclosure provides a laundry treating apparatus for preventing a spring from being deviated from a suspension.

Yet another aspect of the present disclosure provides a laundry treating apparatus with improved compression and restoring force of a spring.

Yet another aspect of the present disclosure provides a laundry treating apparatus in which, in the case of installing a suspension within a limited height, ease of assembling of the suspension is ensured and a cushion force of a suspension is improved.

Yet another aspect of the present disclosure provides a laundry treating apparatus that improves a cushion force of a suspension by increasing a compressed length of a spring.

Yet another aspect of the present disclosure provides a laundry treating apparatus that effectively reduces vibration that is increased according to an increase in height of a tub in a limited space.

In an aspect, there is provided a laundry treating apparatus comprising: a housing; and a tub disposed inside the housing.

The laundry treating apparatus may include: a drum rotatably disposed on the tub; and a driving part disposed below the tub and connected to the drum.

The laundry treating apparatus includes a first bracket extending from the housing toward the tub.

The first bracket includes a first through hole opened up and down.

In the first bracket, a cutout connected to the first through hole is formed in an outer circumferential wall.

The laundry treating apparatus includes a second bracket extending from the tub toward the housing.

The second bracket is spaced apart from a lower side of the first bracket.

The second bracket includes a second through hole opened up and down.

The laundry treating apparatus includes a suspension extending between the first bracket and the second bracket.

The suspension is connected to the first bracket and the second bracket.

The suspension includes an upper block disposed in an upper side of the first bracket.

The suspension includes a lower block disposed below the second bracket.

The suspension includes a connecting bar passing through the upper block and the lower block.

The connecting bar extends along the longitudinal direction of the tub.

The connecting bar has an outer diameter smaller than the width of the cutout.

The suspension includes a spring extending along the vertical direction.

The spring is disposed below the upper block.

The spring surrounds the connecting bar.

The suspension includes a middle block disposed between the upper block and the spring.

The middle block is arranged to be movable downward with respect to the upper block.

In the middle block, the connecting bar is penetrated.

The middle block may be inserted into the first through hole.

The first bracket may include a seating surface extending to be inclined inwardly of the first through hole.

The upper block may be seated on the seating surface.

The upper block may be inserted into the first through hole.

The laundry treating apparatus may include a second middle block spaced apart from a lower side of the first middle block.

The second middle block may be disposed between the lower block and the spring.

The spring may be disposed between the first middle block and the second middle block.

The first middle block may include a bracket fastening hole opened upward.

The first bracket may include a fastening protrusion protruding toward the first middle block.

The first middle block may include an expansion ring positioned above the spring.

The expansion ring may have an outer diameter greater than an outer diameter of the spring.

The first middle block may include a coupling ring protruding below the expansion ring.

The coupling ring may have an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the spring.

The first middle block may include a channel spaced apart from the inside of the expansion ring.

The channel may pass through the connecting bar.

The first middle block may include a plurality of ribs extending in a radial direction from an outer circumferential surface of the channel toward an inner circumferential surface of the expansion ring.

The plurality of ribs may be spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction of the first middle block.

The bracket fastening hole may be formed between the plurality of ribs.

The fastening protrusion may be formed in the first through hole.

The fastening protrusion may be inserted into the bracket fastening hole in the first through hole.

The second middle block may include a support body having an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the spring.

The support body may be disposed below the spring.

At least a portion of the support body may be exposed at an upper side of the second bracket.

The second middle block may include a support protrusion protruding from an upper side of the second bracket to an outside of the support body.

In the support protrusion, a distance from a center to an outer end of the support body may be greater than a diameter of the second through hole.

The second middle block may include a rim portion positioned below the support protrusion.

The rim portion may have an outer diameter greater than an outer diameter of the support body.

The rim portion may be seated on an upper side of the lower block.

At least a portion of the support body may be inserted into the second through hole.

The rim portion may be located in the second through hole.

An upper wall of the second bracket may be positioned between the support protrusion and the rim portion.

The second middle block may include a support ring protruding upward from the support body.

The support ring may have an outer diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the spring.

A height at which the suspension extends in an up-down direction may be smaller than a height of the tub.

The spring may be accommodated in the first middle block and the second middle block.

The first middle block may include a first accommodating body having an open lower side.

The first receiving body may receive one end of the spring.

The first middle block may include a channel extending in the up-down direction through the first receiving body.

The channel may pass through the connecting bar.

The second middle block may include a second accommodating body having an open upper side.

The second accommodating body may receive one end of the spring.

The second middle block may include a partition protruding inward from an inner circumferential surface of the second accommodating body.

The partition may have an inner diameter smaller than an outer diameter of the spring.

The second middle block may include an adjustment body extending downward from the second accommodating body.

The adjustment body may be seated on an upper side of the second bracket.

The first middle block may include a first grip body disposed below the upper block.

The first middle block may include a first grip ring protruding downward from the first grip body.

The first grip ring may extend in a circumferential direction of the first grip body.

The first middle block may include a first channel spaced apart inwardly from the first grip ring.

In the first channel, the connecting bar may pass through.

The first grip body may include a first seating hole through which the connecting bar passes.

The first seating hole may be recessed downward.

The first seating hole may accommodate at least a portion of the upper block.

The second middle block may include a second grip body disposed on an upper side of the lower block.

The second middle block may include a second grip ring protruding upward from the second grip body.

The second grip ring may extend along a circumferential direction of the second grip body.

The second middle block may include a second channel spaced apart inwardly from the second grip ring.

In the second channel, the connecting bar may pass through.

The suspension may include an adjustment body disposed between the second bracket and the second middle block.

The adjustment body may have the second middle block seated thereon.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, vibration of a tub may be attenuated through a suspension having a spring applied thereto.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a suspension having a spring applied thereto may be installed in a washing machine having a tub with a height smaller than a width.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, by reducing a space occupied by a suspension, it is possible to minimize shaking of the suspension.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to easily assemble a suspension provided with a spring in a small-sized laundry treating apparatus.

According to at least any one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, with horizontal movement of a spring being limited, the spring may not be deviated from a suspension.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a height of a suspension may not be increased despite an increase in height of a tub.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a spring may be disposed between a pair of middle blocks, thereby increasing a compressed length of the spring to improve a restoring force of the spring.

According to at least any one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, vibration increased according to an increase in capacity of a tub may be reduced through a suspension.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an external view of a laundry treating apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a view showing an internal structure of a laundry treating apparatus.

FIG. 3 shows a tub and suspension structure.

FIG. 4 shows a suspension structure.

FIG. 5 shows an effect of a suspension structure.

FIG. 6 shows an installation process of a suspension.

FIG. 7 shows a suspension structure according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 shows a suspension structure according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed herein will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Regardless of the reference numerals, the same or similar components are assigned the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions thereof will be omitted.

The suffixes “module” and “part” for components used in the following description are given or mixed in consideration of only the ease of writing the specification, and do not have distinct meanings or roles by themselves.

In addition, in describing the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, if it is determined that detailed descriptions of related known technologies may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the accompanying drawings are only for easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, and the technical spirit disclosed in the present specification is not limited by the accompanying drawings, and all changes included in the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, should be understood to include equivalents or substitutes.

Terms including ordinal numbers such as first, second, etc. may be used to describe various elements, but the elements are not limited by the terms. The above terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

When a component is referred to as being “connected” or “connected” to another component, it may be directly connected or connected to the other component, but it is understood that other components may exist in between. it should be On the other hand, when it is said that a certain element is “directly connected” or “directly connected” to another element, it should be understood that the other element does not exist in the middle.

The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

FIG. 1 shows a laundry treating apparatus according to the present disclosure, and FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of an internal structure of a laundry treating apparatus according to the present disclosure.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , a laundry treating apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured as a top-load type laundry treating apparatus 100. A front load type laundry treating apparatus is defined as a laundry treating apparatus having an opening provided in the front and a rotation axis of the drum parallel to the ground or having a predetermined inclination, and a top load type laundry treating apparatus has an opening may be defined as a laundry treating apparatus provided on the upper portion and the rotating shaft of the drum is provided perpendicular to the ground.

Referring to FIG. 1 , the laundry treating apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a cabinet 110 forming an exterior, a tub 120 provided inside the cabinet 110 to receive water, and the tub 120 may include a drum 140 rotatably provided therein to accommodate clothes.

The tub 120 may have a loading port 121 through which clothes may be put on its upper or upper surface. The drum 140 may a drum loading port 141 communicating with the loading port 121 so as to allow clothes to be input.

The laundry treating apparatus 100 of the present disclosure may be used as an auxiliary laundry treating apparatus, and may be disposed on or under the main laundry treating apparatus. In order to enhance the accessibility of the main laundry treating apparatus or the accessibility of the auxiliary laundry treating apparatus, the tub 120 and the drum 140 of the present disclosure may be provided with a height shorter than a width. The tub 120 and the drum 140 may each have a height shorter than a diameter.

The laundry treating apparatus 100 according to the present disclosure may be provided in a drawer type to have a main laundry treating apparatus or another auxiliary laundry treating apparatus disposed thereon.

The laundry treating apparatus 100 according to the present disclosure may have an opening 111 in front of the cabinet 110, and may be further include a drawer 190 provided inside the cabinet 110 to be pulled in and out through the opening 111.

The tub 120 may be provided in the drawer 190 to move together with the drawer 190 when the drawer 190 is pulled in and out.

The drawer 190 may include a front panel 191 provided to open and close the opening 111 of the cabinet 110, and a case 193 attached to a rear of the front panel 191 to accommodate the tub 120.

The case 193 may be provided in a hexahedral shape, and the case 193 may include an opening 194 provided in an upper surface of the case 193 to communicate with the loading port 121.

The laundry treating apparatus 100 according to the present disclosure may include a control panel 192 capable of receiving a command to operate the laundry treating apparatus for washing, rinsing, or spin-drying operations of the laundry treating apparatus, or capable of displaying a state of the laundry treating apparatus.

The control panel 192 may be provided on an upper portion of the front panel 192, and when the drawer 190 is not provided, the control panel 192 may be provided on one side of the cabinet 110.

The control panel 192 may be provided with a display part 192 a for displaying a state of the laundry treating apparatus, an input part 192 b for receiving an operation command of the laundry treating apparatus, and a controller 192 c (see FIG. 2 ) for controlling an operation of the laundry treating apparatus.

The display part 192 a may include a display panel such as an LCD or LED, and may include a speaker that generates sound to transmit information to a user. The display part 192 a may display information on the laundry treating apparatus to the user, or may set off an alarm when there is something to notify.

Since the tub 120 of the present disclosure has a relatively low height compared to a width thereof, there is a possibility that water, clothes, and detergent supplied to the tub 120 may be discharged to the loading port 121.

The laundry treating apparatus 100 according to the present disclosure may further include a door 130 capable of opening and closing the loading port 121. The door 130 may be rotatably coupled to any one of the housing 193 or an upper surface of the tub 120 to open and close the loading port 121.

The tub 120 may have a tub cover on an upper surface thereof, and the loading port 121 may be formed to penetrate through the tub cover. The door 130 may be rotatably coupled to the tub cover.

The door 130 may include a frame 131 provided to correspond to a shape of the loading port 121, a window 133 provided inside the frame 131 to check an internal state of the tub 120, and a coupling part 135 capable of fixing the frame and the window when the loading port 121 is closed.

A handle 134 for opening the door may be provided at the coupling part 135.

The door 130 may further include a door body 136 extending at an outer circumferential surface of the frame 131 to close the loading port 121.

FIG. 1 shows that a laundry treating apparatus according to the present disclosure is provided as a drawer type in consideration of a possibility that the laundry treating apparatus can be provided as an auxiliary laundry treating apparatus provided under a main laundry treatment apparatus. However, this is for illustrative purposes only, and the disclosed laundry treating apparatus may be provided on a main laundry treating apparatus, or may be provided as a general top-load type laundry treating apparatus rather than a drawer type laundry treating apparatus.

The tub 120 may be accommodated in the cabinet 110 or may be accommodated in the drawer 190. Since the cabinet 110 and the drawer 190 can accommodate the tub 120, the cabinet 110 and the drawer 190 may be collectively referred to as a housing.

FIG. 2 is a view showing an internal configuration of a laundry treating apparatus according to the present disclosure.

The laundry treating apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a water supply part 160 for supplying water to the tub 120, and a drain part 170 for draining water from the tub 120.

The water supply part 160 may include a water supply pipe 161 for supplying water from an external water supply source, and a water supply valve 162 for determining whether to open or close the water supply pipe 161.

The drain part 170 may include a drain pipe 173 communicating a lower portion of the tub 130 to drain water from the tub, a drain pump 171 for providing power to pump water from the drain pipe 173 to the outside of the cabinet 110, and a discharge pipe 172 communicating with the drain pump 171 to discharge water from the tub to the outside of the cabinet 110.

A water level sensor S for detecting a water level of the tub 120 may be provided on one side of the tub 120, and a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the tub 120 may be provided on an inner circumferential surface of the tub 120.

The water level sensor S may be provided with a sensor pipe S1 communicating with one side of the tub 120 and extending upward from the tub 120, and a diode S2 provided in an upper portion of the sensor pipe to detect an internal pressure of the sensor pipe, but the water level sensor may be provided in any shape and structure if a water level of the tub 120 can be measured.

The water level sensor S may detect whether the water level of the tub 120 has reached a first water level I corresponding to a bottom surface 144 of the drum, and may detect whether the water level of the tub 120 has reached a second water level II corresponding to an agitator 600 which will be described later.

The first water level I may correspond to a water level between a bottom surface 127 of the tub and the bottom surface 144 of the drum, and the second water level may correspond to a water level between the bottom surface 144 of the drum and the agitator 600. The second water level II may be defined as a water level at which the agitator 600 is exposed to air.

The laundry treating apparatus 100 may include a driving part 200 that rotates the drum 140 in the tub 120.

The driving part 200 may include a stator 210 fixed to the bottom surface 127 of the tub 120 to generate a rotating magnetic field, a rotor 220 being rotated by the rotating magnetic field of the stator 220, and a rotational shaft 230 passing through the tub and being rotated by the rotor.

The drum 140 may have a drum loading port 141 communicating with the loading port 121, and a balancer 142 coupled to an outer circumferential surface of the drum loading port 141 to prevent eccentricity of the drum 140.

In the inner circumferential surface of the drum 140, a plurality of hollows 145 through which the water of the tub 120 is introduced or discharged may be provided.

The drum 140 may be rotated by power provided by the driving part 200, and may perform washing by applying a mechanical force to clothes accommodated in the drum 140.

The drum 140 may be rotated by the power provided by the driving part 200 to perform a spin-drying cycle of discharging moisture contained in clothes into the hollows 145.

The bottom surface 144 of the drum may further include a through hole 144 a, and may further include the agitator 600 rotatably provided in the through hole 144 a.

The agitator 600 may rotate separately from the drum 140 to agitate clothes. The agitator 600 may wash clothes by applying a mechanical force to the clothes accommodated in the drum 140, independently of the drum 140, and may form a strong water flow inside the drum 140 by repeatedly receiving power from the driving part 300 and rotating in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.

The laundry treating apparatus 100 may include a suspension 300, which supports the tub 120 in the cabinet 110 or the drawer 190 and attenuates vibration so that vibration generated in the tub 120 is not transmitted to the cabinet 110.

The suspension 300 may be provided as a damper, may be provided as a spring, may be provided as a combination of a damper and a spring, and may be provided in plural.

Since the laundry treating apparatus 100 of the present disclosure may be provided as an auxiliary laundry treating apparatus, a height thereof may be limited. Thus, the suspension 300 is preferably connected to a side surface of the tub 120 to support the tub 120.

The laundry treating apparatus 100 may include a first bracket 310 extending from the cabinet 110 toward the tub 120, and a second bracket 320 extending from the tub 120 toward the cabinet 110.

The first bracket 310 may be formed integrally with the cabinet 110. The second bracket 320 may be formed integrally with the tub 120. The first bracket 310 may be detachably attached to the cabinet 110. The second bracket 320 may be detachably attached to the tub 120. When the first bracket 310 and the second bracket 320 are separated from the cabinet 110 and the tub 120, respectively, the suspension 300 may include the first bracket 310, the second bracket 320, and a connecting part 330 for connecting the first and second brackets 310 and 320. The first bracket 310 may be provided above the second bracket 320, and the connecting part 330 may have one end coupled to the first bracket 310 and the other end coupled to the second bracket 320.

The tub 120 may be supported by the cabinet 110 or the drawer 190 by the connecting part 330.

The first bracket 310 may be provided as a bracket protruding from the housing (the cabinet 110, the drawer 190), and the second bracket 320 may be provided as a bracket protruding from the tub 120. The connecting part 330 may be seated and supported on the first bracket 310 to support the second bracket 320.

The first bracket 310 may be provided integrally with the housing, or may be fixed by being coupled to the housing through a separate fastening member.

The second bracket 320 may be coupled to a side surface of the tub by a separate fastening member, or may be formed integrally with the tub and extend laterally.

The first bracket 310 may extend from the housing 190 and may be coupled to the housing 190 by a separate coupling member.

The first bracket 310 may include a first through hole 311 to receive and couple the connecting part 330. The first through hole 311 may be opened vertically in the first bracket 310. The first through hole 311 may communicate with the outside of the first bracket 310 through a cutout 312 formed in an outer circumferential wall of the first bracket 310.

The second bracket 320 may extend from an outer surface of the tub 120, and may be coupled to the tub 120 by a separate coupling member.

The second bracket 320 may include a second through hole 321 to accommodate the connecting part 330 and to be supported by the connecting part 330. The second through hole 321 may be opened vertically in the second bracket 320. Like the first through hole 311, the second through hole 321 may communicate with the outside of the second bracket 320 through a cutout (not shown) formed in an outer circumferential wall of the second bracket 320.

The connecting part 330 may be provided parallel to a height of the drum 140 with respect to the ground or the bottom surface 144 of the drum 140. This is to further increase a washing capacity of the tub 120 by minimizing a volume occupied by the suspension 300 including the connecting part 330. A height of the suspension 300 may be smaller than a height of the tub 120. Even if a volume in the tub 120 is expanded because the height of the tub 120 is increased, the suspension 300 may offset vibration of the tub 120 with a relatively small height.

The connecting part 330 may include an upper block 331 received and seated in the first bracket 310, a lower block 332 supporting the second bracket 320, and a connecting bar 333 connecting the first connecting part 331 and the second bracket 332.

The upper block 331 and the lower block 332 may be provided with a larger diameter than the connecting bar 333, and may be provided in a disk, hemisphere, or spherical shape. The connecting part 330 may be seated on the first bracket 310. The connecting part 330 may support the second bracket 320. The connecting part 330 may not be completely fixed and coupled to the first bracket 310 and the second bracket 320. Although the suspension 300 may have a simpler configuration, stability may not be guaranteed.

Since the laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure may be provided in a small size, a space where to install additional components for coupling the connecting part 330 to the first bracket 310 and the second bracket 230 may not be sufficient in an upper portion and a lower portion of the suspension. A dispenser or a water supply pipe in which a detergent is accommodated may be disposed above the suspension 300, and when a height of the suspender 300 is increased, there may be interference between the suspender 300 and the dispenser or the water supply pipe. In addition, even when a separate component for assembling the suspension 300 is added, there may be interference between the suspension 300 and the dispenser or water supply pipe.

When the laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure needs to secure a maximum washing capacity or to further increase a height of the balancer 142, it may be necessary to further increase the height of the tub 120.

When the height of the tub 120 is increased, there is a problem that a vibration amplitude of the tub 120 may increase since the first bracket 310 and the second bracket 320 are not completely fixed to both ends of the connecting bar 333. Thus, there is a problem in that the height of the tub 120 is limited even if it is desired to expand the height of the tub 120 compared to the width thereof.

The suspension part 300 of the present disclosure may further include a spring coupled to the connecting part 330 to guide the first bracket 310 and the second bracket 320 to be disposed at both ends of the connecting bar 333.

FIG. 3 shows a structure in which the spring 340 according to the present disclosure is installed.

The spring 340 may immediately cushion or absorb an external force transmitted from the first bracket 310 or the second bracket 320. The overall durability of the connecting part 330 may be maintained.

The spring 340 may maintain the installation positions of the connecting part 330, the first bracket 310, and the second bracket 320 as much as possible. The spring 340 may bring the first bracket 310 in close contact with an upper end of the connecting bar 333 and the second bracket 320 in close contact with a lower end of the connecting bar 333. The spring 340 may be restored to its original state even if the state in which the connecting bar 333 is in close contact is changed.

The suspension 300 according to the present disclosure may cushion or absorb vibration generated in the tub 120 by the spring 340 to a maximum, and the vibration amplitude of the tub 120 may be reduced to a minimum.

Even if the height of the tub 120 is increased by a predetermined ratio compared to the width or an absolute height of the tub 120 is increased, the suspension 300 may still stably support the tub 120.

The spring 340 may be disposed to receive an outer circumferential surface of the connecting bar 333, and may be disposed to be exposed to the outside of the top or the bottom of the connecting bar 333 or to be prevented from being deviated.

Since there is no need to separately install or fix the spring 340 on the outside of the connecting bar 333, a space occupied by the suspension 300 may be maintained. Accordingly, a volume of the housing such as the cabinet 110 or the drawer 190 may be maintained in a state before the spring 340 is installed.

The spring 340 may be provided as a spring, and may be arranged to accommodate the connecting bar 333 therein. The spring 340 may be provided with a sufficient length, so that the first bracket 310 and the second bracket 320 are brought into close contact with the upper block 331 and the lower block 332. When vibration generated in the tub 120 is transmitted to the connecting part 330, the spring 340 may be immediately compressed to attenuate the vibration.

Due to the spring 340, the vibration transmitted to the connecting part 330 may be effectively attenuated.

As long as the laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure is provided as an auxiliary laundry treating apparatus, a distance between the first bracket 310 and the second bracket 320 may be inevitably narrower than that of a general top-load type washing machine. Accordingly, a distance between the upper block 331 and the lower block 332 is inevitably narrowed, and the length of the connecting bar 333 is inevitably shortened relatively. Accordingly, there is a problem in that it is difficult to assemble the spring 340 in a narrow space between the first bracket 310 and the second bracket 320.

Since a distance between the tub 120 and the housing 190 is also narrower than that in a typical top-load type washing machine, a process of installing the spring 340 to the connecting part 330 may be very difficult.

In a situation where a length of the connecting bar 333 is relatively short, the overall length of the spring 340 is also short. In order to ensure a restoring force, a diameter of a wire forming the spring 340 must also be increased, but, if the diameter of the wire is increased, it may be difficult to compress the spring 340 itself, thereby making installation of the spring more difficult.

When the diameter of the wire forming the spring 340 is reduced, the restoring force of the spring 340 may be reduced, so that it is difficult to expect an effect of the spring 340.

The suspension 300 according to the present disclosure may further include a middle block 350 and 360 for supporting or coupling at least one of both ends of the spring 340.

The middle block 350 and 360 may be coupled to at least one of both ends of the spring 340 to effectively transmit an external force applied to the middle block 350 and 360 to both ends of the spring 340.

The spring 340 may be easily compressed by the middle block 350 and 360. A process in which the spring 340 is installed between an upper block 331 and a lower block 332 may be facilitated.

The middle block 350 and 360 coupled to at least one of the both ends of the spring 340 may be in direct contact with at least one of the first bracket 310 and the second bracket 320. A vibration transmitted to the first bracket 310 and the second bracket 320 may be transmitted to the spring 340 due to the middle block 350 and 360 and thus immediately buffered.

Since a length of the spring 340 is reduced by the length of the middle block 350 and 360, the restoring force of the spring 340 may be increased. Even if the length of the spring 340 is reduced, it may be easier to install the spring 340 to the connecting part 330 because the spring 340 is capable of being compressed relatively easily due to the middle block 350 and 360.

Since the spring 340 may be easily compressed due to the middle block 350 and 360, it is possible to further expand the diameter of the spring 340 or further expand the diameter of the wire forming the spring 340. As a result, the restoring force and buffering force provided by the spring 340 may be maximized. The middle block 350 and 360 may be coupled to both ends of the spring 340. The middle block 350 and 360 may include at least one of the following: a first middle block 350 accommodating the connecting bar 333 and provided between the upper block 331 and the spring 340 to fix the spring 340; and a second middle block 360 accommodating the connecting bar 333 and provided between the lower block 332 and the spring 340 to fix the spring 340.

The first middle block 350 and the second middle block 360 may be penetrated by the connecting bar 333, and may be provided with a diameter greater than a diameter of through holes 311 and 312 provided in the first bracket 310 and the second bracket 320.

In response to receiving a force to move away to both sides by the spring 340, the first middle block 350 and the second middle block 360 may be brought into close contact with the first bracket 310 and the second bracket 320.

The first middle block 350 may be provided to press a lower portion of the first bracket 310 or the upper block 331, and the second middle block 360 may be provided to press an upper portion of the second bracket 320 or the lower block 332.

The first middle block 350 and the second middle block 360 may immediately transmit vibration transmitted from the first bracket 310 and the second bracket 320 to the spring 340.

The first middle block 350 and the second middle block 360 are provided with a diameter greater than the diameter of the spring 340. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the spring 340 from being deviated from the upper block 331 and the lower block 332.

A tub cover 122 is coupled to an upper portion of the tub 120, and the tub cover 122 is provided with the loading port 121 through which clothes can be input. The drum 140 is rotatably accommodated in the tub 120.

When vibration occurs due to eccentricity or the like in the drum 140, the spring 340 may absorb or attenuate the vibration. FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of a suspension part of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 4A, the first middle block 350 of the present disclosure may include an upper middle block 351 coupled to one end inner circumferential surface of the spring 340, and the second middle block 360 may include a lower middle block 361 coupled to the inner circumferential surface of the other end of the spring 340. The upper middle block 351 and the lower middle block 361 may vibrate together with the spring 340 by being press-fitted or in contact with the inner circumferential surfaces of both ends of the spring 340.

The spring 340 may be compressed in a state extending longer than the length of the connecting bar 333 to be fastened to the connecting bar 333.

The original length of the spring 340 is determined when the upper middle block 351 is in close contact with the first bracket 310 and the lower middle block 361 is in close contact with the second bracket 320. Based on, it may be provided to be longer than the interval between the lower end of the first middle block 350 and the upper end of the second middle block 360. The spring 340 may be disposed in a compressed state between the lower end of the first middle block 350 and the upper end of the second middle block 360. The spring 340 may generate a force for pushing the upper middle block 351 and the lower middle block 361 to both ends of the connecting bar 333. The spring 340 may attach the upper middle block 351 to the first bracket 310 and the lower middle block 361 to the second bracket 320.

The inner circumferential surface of one end 341 of the spring 340 may be press-fitted to the lower portion of the upper middle block 351 to maintain a coupled state with the upper middle block 351. The inner circumferential surface of the other end 342 of the spring 340 may be press-fitted to the upper portion of the lower middle block 361 to maintain a coupled state with the lower middle block 361.

The upper middle block 351 may not only be in close contact with the lower portion of the first bracket 310, but may also be detachably coupled to the first bracket 310. The first bracket 310 may include a fastening protrusion 319 inserted into the first middle block 350 at a lower end of the through hole to fix the upper middle block 351.

When the upper middle block 351 is fixed to the first bracket 310, it may only vibrate in the longitudinal direction of the connecting bar 333, but may not vibrate in the radial direction of the connecting bar 333.

The second bracket 320 may be detachably coupled to the lower middle block 361 so that the lower middle block 361 is prevented from being deviated. The lower portion of the lower middle block 361 may be seated on the lower block 332 while being accommodated in the lower portion or through hole of the second bracket 320, and the upper portion of the lower middle block 361 is the second bracket 320. 2 It may be exposed to the upper part of the bracket 320.

Since the lower middle block 361 is accommodated in the second bracket 320, the lower middle block 361 can also be prevented from vibrating in the radial direction of the connecting bar 333.

Hereinafter, specific structures of the suspension part 300 and the upper middle block 351 and the lower middle block 361 will be described with reference to FIG. 4B.

The connecting bar 333 may include a main body 3332 capable of extending from the first bracket 310 to the second bracket 320, and an expansion body 3331 provided in at least one of both ends of the main body 332 and having a diameter greater than that of the main body 3332.

The first bracket 310 may include the cutout 312 for communicating the outside of the first bracket 310 with the first through hole 311. The cutout 312 may be formed in an outer circumferential wall of the first bracket 310.

A diameter D of the connecting bar 333 may be smaller than a width w of the cutout 312. The connecting bar 333 may enter into and exit from the first through hole 311 through the cutout 312.

The second bracket 320 may include the same cutout (not shown) as the cutout 312 of the first bracket 310. The connecting bar 333 may enter into and exit from the second through hole 321 through a cutout (not shown) of the second bracket 320.

The upper block 331 may include a first coupling part 331 a coupled to one end of the main body 3332 and seated on an upper portion of the first bracket 310, a first buffer part 331 b seated on or accommodated in one end of the first coupling part 331 a to buffer vibration transmitted to the main body 3332, and a first fixed plate 331 c in close contact with an outer surface of the first buffer part 331 b to prevent deviation of the first shock-absorbing part 331 b.

The first bracket 310 may include a seating surface 310 a inclined inwardly of the first through hole 311. The upper block 331 may be seated on the seating surface 310 a. At least a portion of the upper block 331 may be inserted into the first through hole 311. The fastening protrusion 319 may protrude so as to be bent downward toward the inner side of the first through hole 311. The fastening protrusion 319 may form the seating surface 310 a on which the upper block 331 is seated.

The first coupling part 331 a may be provided in a dish shape, or may be provided in a hemispherical or spherical shape. The first coupling part 331 a may have a maximum diameter greater than that of a through hole formed in the first bracket 310. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the connecting bar 333 from moving to a lower end of the first bracket 310.

The first buffer part 331 b may be of an elastic material such as rubber, and may be provided to attenuate or absorb a predetermined impact.

The first fixing plate 331 c may strengthen a coupling force between the connecting bar 333 and the first buffer part 331 b or the first coupling part 331 a, and may be coupled to the inner surface of the extension body 3331 and thus prevented from being deviated.

The lower block 332 may include a second coupling part 332 a coupled to the other end of the main body 3332 and seated on a lower portion of the second bracket 320, a second buffer part 332 b seated on or accommodated in one end of the second coupling part 332 a to buffer vibration transmitted to the main body 3332, and a second fixed plate 332 c in close contact with an outer surface of the second buffer part 332 b to prevent deviation of the second buffer part 332 b.

The lower block 332 may be provided identically or symmetrically to the upper block 331.

The upper middle block 351 may include a coupling ring 3511 coupled to an inner circumferential surface of one end 341 of the spring 340, and an expansion ring 3513 having a diameter greater than that of the coupling ring 3511 so as to prevent deviation of the spring.

The coupling ring 3511 may be provided with a greater thickness than a thickness of the spring 340, and may have a diameter equal to or greater than a diameter of the spring 340. The coupling ring 3511 may be coupled to one end of the inner circumferential surface of the spring 340 in a press-fit fashion.

The expansion ring 3513 may have a diameter greater than that of the coupling ring 3511. The expansion ring 3513 may fix a position of the one end 341 of the spring.

The expansion ring 3513 may be provided with a thickness or height greater than that of the coupling ring 3511. The expansion ring 3513 may prevent the coupling ring 3511 from swinging or tilting from side to side with respect to the connecting bar 333, so that one end of the spring 340 is prevented from being bent with respect to the spring 340.

The upper middle block 510 may include a channel 3514 provided inside the expansion ring 3513 to accommodate the connecting bar 333. The upper middle block 351 may reciprocate upward or downward of the connecting bar 333 due to the channel 3514.

The expansion ring 3513 may be provided such that the inside thereof is filled up to the channel 3514. However, in order to prevent an excessive load from being applied to the spring 340 and secure durability of the connecting bar 333, the expansion ring 3513 may have a space therein.

The upper middle block 510 may include ribs 3515 extending radially from the channel 3514 to the expansion ring 3513 so as to form a plurality of bracket fastening holes 3516. The ribs 3515 may be spaced apart at the same angle to evenly distribute the load or vibration transmitted to the channel 3514 to the expansion ring 3513.

A plurality of the ribs 3515 may be spaced apart from each other to form the bracket fastening holes 3516 therebetween. The bracket fastening holes 3516 may have the aforementioned fastening protrusion 319 inserted thereinto. Accordingly, the upper middle block 510 may be fixed below the first bracket 310.

The channel 3514 may further extend downward along the connecting bar 333. A contact thickness between the upper middle block 510 and the connecting bar 333 may be increased, and the upper middle block 510 may be prevented from tilting in a radial direction with respect to the connecting bar 333.

An outer circumferential surface of the channel 3514 may be spaced apart from an inner circumferential surface of the coupling ring 3511.

The lower middle block 361 may include a support ring 3611 coupled to an inner circumferential surface of the other end 342 of the spring, and a support body 3612 having a diameter greater than that of the support ring 3611 to prevent deviation of the spring.

The support ring 3611 may have a diameter corresponding to or slightly greater than the diameter of the spring 340. The spring 340 may be fixed to the support ring 3611 in a press-fit fashion.

The support ring 3611 may be provided with a diameter smaller than the diameter of the spring 340. The support ring 3611 may be inserted into the spring 340. The support ring 3611 may restrict movement of the spring 340 in the radial direction.

The support body 3612 may have a diameter greater than that of the support ring 3611. The support body 3612 may be provided with a diameter greater than the diameter of the spring 340. The support body 3612 may prevent the other end 342 of the spring 340 from being deviated from the support ring 3611.

The lower middle block 361 may further include a rim portion 3613 extending from the support body 3612 and able to come into contact with at least one of the bottom of the second bracket 320 and the top of the lower block 332.

The rim portion 3613 may have a diameter greater than that of the support body 3612. The rim portion 3613 may be provided with a diameter greater than a diameter of an upper end of the through hole 321 through which the connecting bar 333 passes in the second bracket 320.

The rim portion 3613 may be positioned at a lower end of the second bracket 320 or a lower end of the through hole to prevent the support body 3612 from being pulled out upward of the second bracket 320.

A diameter of the rim portion 3613 may be smaller than a diameter of the lower block 332. The rim portion 3613 may be seated on the lower block 332 and thus prevented from being deviated to the outside of the lower block 332.

The support body 3612 may extend from the rim portion 3613 to a sufficient length so as to be exposed upward of the second bracket 320 along the connecting bar 333. Due to the support body 3612, a length of the spring 340 may be greatly reduced. Even if the diameter of the spring 340 or the thickness of the wire forming the spring 340 is relatively small, a sufficient elastic coefficient may be secured.

Since the support body 3612 extends along a longitudinal direction of the connecting part 333, it is possible to prevent the support body 3612 from tilting in the radial direction of the connecting bar 333.

The lower middle block 361 may further include a support protrusion 3614 protruding from an outer circumferential surface of the support body 3612 to be coupled to the second

The support protrusion 3614 may be spaced apart from the rim portion 3613 by a thickness of the second bracket 320 to protrude from the support body 3612. When the lower middle block 361 is disposed at the second bracket 320, the rim portion 3613 may support a lower surface of the second bracket 320 and the support protrusion 3614 may support an upper surface of the second bracket 320. The lower middle block 361 may be detachably coupled to the second bracket 320, and the positions of the spring 340 and the connecting bar 333 may also be fixed.

A distance from a center of the lower middle block 361 to an outer end of the support protrusion 3614 may be greater than a radius of the second through hole 321. At least a portion of the support protrusion 3614 may protrude so as to be positioned outside the second through hole 321. The support protrusion 3614 may be seated on an upper side of a second upper wall 320 a. The support protrusion 3614 may be restricted from moving downward by the second upper wall 320 a.

A distance between the support protrusion 3614 and the rim portion 3613 may be provided, so that the second bracket 320 is capable of being press-fitted between the support protrusion 3614 and the rim portion 3613.

The upper wall 320 a of the second bracket 320 may be positioned between the support protrusion 3614 and the rim portion 3613. A vertical movement of the lower middle block 361 may be restricted by the upper wall 320 a of the second bracket 320.

The support protrusion 3614 may protrude along a longitudinal direction of the support body 3612. A portion of the support protrusion 3614 in contact with the upper surface of the second bracket 320 may protrude the most. Accordingly, the support protrusion 3614 may be able to remain in a state of being seated on the second bracket 320 as much as possible despite a vibration in the radial direction of the connecting bar 333.

The support protrusion 3614 may protrude from the lower end of the support ring 3611 so as to prevent the spring 340 from being deviated from the support ring 3611.

The support protrusion 3614 may extend from a portion seated on the second bracket 320 to a lower end of the support ring 3611 such that a protruding length of the support protrusion 3614 decreases along a direction toward the lower end of the support ring 3611. The support protrusion 3614 may extend so that a cross-section of the support protrusion 3614 has an inclination formed therein.

Even if an excessive vibration is instantly applied to the spring 340 and is deviated to the support body 3612, the spring 340 may be re disposed to the support ring 3611 by the support protrusion 3614.

The support protrusion 3614 may extend toward the rim portion 3613 from a portion of the support body 3612 protruding from the support ring 3611. The support protrusion 3614 may be inclined so that a protruding thickness from the support ring 3611 increases further toward the rim portion 3613.

The support protrusion 3614 may protrude from a position spaced apart from the support ring 3611 by a predetermined length.

The support protrusion 3614 may protrude from the support body 3612 toward the rim portion 3613 to form a step difference.

In the suspension 300, only one of the upper middle block 351 and the lower middle block 361 may be installed and the other one may be omitted.

FIG. 5 shows an effect of installing the upper middle block 351 and the lower middle block 361 of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5(a) shows a structure in which a conventional rubber damper 400 is installed and the spring 340 is omitted, and FIG. 5(b) shows a structure in which the spring 340, the upper middle block 351, and the lower middle block 361 are installed.

Referring to FIG. 5(a), a vibration amplitude that can be absorbed or attenuated the rubber damper 400 is limited, and the rubber damper 400 cannot maintain attachment between the first bracket 310 and an upper end of the connecting part 330.

When the tub 120 vibrates, the tub becomes excessively inclined toward the housing 110 and 190, and thus, a length of the connecting bar 333 or a distance between the first bracket 310 and the second bracket 320 has to be limited to h1. Accordingly, the overall height of the tub 120 is inevitably limited.

Referring to FIG. 5B, the spring 340 brings the upper block 331 and the first bracket 310 into close contact with each other, while accommodating the connecting bar 333. The spring 340 brings the lower block 332 and the second bracket 320 into close contact with each other.

The upper middle block 351 is provided to push the first bracket 310 toward the upper block 331 by the spring 340, and the lower middle block 361 is provided to push the second bracket 320 toward the lower block 332 by the spring 340.

Pressure applied by the spring 340 may be evenly transmitted to the first bracket 310 and the second bracket 320 due to the upper middle block 351 and the lower middle block 361.

Accordingly, the suspension 300 is able to absorb more vibration of the tub 120, and a vibration amplitude of the tub 120 may be greatly reduced.

In the laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure, a distance between the first bracket 310 and the second bracket 320 may be further extended to a length of h2 which is longer by h3. Accordingly, by further extending the height of the tub 120, it is possible to further secure a washing capacity or a space where to install a balancer and the like.

The length of the spring 340 may be relatively further smaller than the first bracket 310 and the second bracket 320 due to the upper middle block 351 and the lower middle block 361. Even if the same spring 340 is applied, due to the upper middle block 351 and the lower middle block 361, a long distance may be provided between the first bracket 310 and the second bracket 320 and the same stability may be ensured.

When the distance between the first bracket 310 and the second bracket 320 is not further extended by the length of h3, the tub 120 may be stably accommodated in the drawer 190.

FIG. 6 is a view showing an installation process of a suspension part according to the present disclosure.

The connecting part 330 may already be assembled before being coupled to the tub 120 or the housing 190.

The upper middle block 351 and the lower middle block 361 may be already completely coupled to the spring 340 before being installed at the connecting bar 333.

When the coupling of the upper middle block 351 and the lower middle block 361 with the spring 340 is completed, the upper block 331 may be coupled to the connecting bar 333 and then the upper middle block 351, the spring 340, and the lower middle block 361, which are coupled to one another, may be inserted into the connecting bar 333. Afterwards, the lower block 332 may be coupled to the connecting bar 333.

Since the lower block 332 is provided with a diameter greater than that of the lower middle block 361, the lower block 332 may press the lower middle block 361 to easily compress the spring 340, thereby being coupled to the connecting bar 333.

When the assembly of the connecting part 330 is completed, installation of the first bracket 310 and the second bracket 320 may be started.

Referring to FIG. 6(a), when the assembly of the connecting part 330 is completed, the connecting part 330 may be put into a lower portion of the second bracket 320 and the connecting part 330 may be raised upward until the support protrusion 3614 and the rim portion 3613 are detachably coupled to the second bracket 320.

Referring to FIG. 6(b), when the connecting part 330 is coupled to the second bracket 320, the tub 120 may be disposed inside the housing 190. The upper middle block 351 may be pressed toward the second bracket 320, and a lower surface of the upper block 331 may be exposed. Due to the upper middle block 351, the spring 340 may be easily compressed. In a state where the upper middle block 351 is pressing the spring 340, an upper portion of the connecting bar 333 may be exposed to the outside.

Referring to FIG. 6(c), in a state where the upper middle block 351 is pressing the spring 340, the connecting bar 333 exposed to the outside may pass through the cutout 312 of the first bracket 311 and be then inserted into the first through hole 311. When the connecting bar 333 is inserted into the first through hole 311, the upper block 331 may be seated on the first bracket 320. When the upper block 331 is seated on the first bracket 320, an external force applied to the upper middle block 351 may be removed so that the upper middle block 351 is brought into a lower surface of the first bracket 320 by a restoring force of the spring 340. The upper middle block 351 may be partially inserted into the first through hole 311 by the restoring force of the spring 340.

In the suspension 300 of the present disclosure, an operator compresses the spring 340 with the upper middle block 351 and the lower middle block 361 without directly pressing the spring 340, and thus, it is possible to greatly simplify an installation process.

FIG. 7 shows another example of the present suspension.

The first middle block 350 and the second middle block 360 may be provided in a structure different from that of the upper middle block 351 and the lower middle block 361.

Although the first middle block 350 and the second middle block 360 are provided in a different structure from that of the upper middle block 351 and the lower middle block 361, the same effect of the upper middle block 351 and the lower middle block 361 may be derived.

The first middle block 350 may include an upper middle block 352 provided to receive one end of the spring 340.

The second middle block 360 may include a lower middle block 362 provided to receive the other end of the spring 340.

As the upper middle block 352 and the lower middle block 362 accommodate both ends of the spring 340, it is possible to fundamentally prevent deviation of the spring 340 from the upper middle block 352 and the lower middle block 362. The upper middle block 352 and the lower middle block 362 may transmit an external force that would be attenuated or absorbed by the spring 340.

The upper middle block 352 may include a first accommodating body 3521 provided to receive one end 341 of the spring 340, and a channel 3522 passing through the first accommodating body to receive the connecting bar.

The channel 3522 may have a diameter corresponding to a diameter of the connecting bar 333.

The first body 331 a of the upper block 331 may further include a contact body 3112 accommodating the first buffer part 331 b, and an extension body 3111 extending along a longitudinal direction of the contact body 3112 to support the connecting bar 333.

Due to the extension body 3111, the first body 331 a may further strengthen a coupling force of the connecting bar 333.

A diameter of the channel 3522 may be greater than a diameter of the extended body 3111. The channel 3522 may be provided to be reciprocally movable along the extended body 3111.

A diameter of the first accommodating body 3521 may be provided with a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the spring. The first accommodating body 3521 may be coupled to one end 341 of the spring material in a press-fit fashion.

A diameter of the first accommodating body 3521 may be much greater than a diameter of the spring. The first receiving body 3521 may be provided to fully accommodate one end 341 of the spring.

When an external force is transmitted to the first accommodating body 3521 to press the spring 340, the one end 341 of the spring 340 may have a degree of freedom to move within the accommodating body 3521 to some extent to thereby disperse the external force or prevent an overload from being imposed on the spring 340.

A degree of freedom of movement may be formed between the first accommodating body 3521 and the spring 340 to thereby prevent the first accommodating body 3521 from tilting in a radial direction or left-right direction of the connecting bar 333.

A height of the first accommodating body 3521 may be greater than a thickness of a wire that forms the spring 340. The first accommodating body 3521 may be provided in a bowl or hat shape to form a space for accommodating one end 341 of the spring 340, and a height of the space may be provided to sufficiently accommodate one end 341 of the spring 340.

This may prevent deviation of the spring 340 from the outer circumferential surface of the first accommodating body 3521.

The upper middle block 352 may include an open surface 3523 in which one surface of the first receiving body 3521 facing the second bracket 320 is opened to accommodate one end of the spring.

A diameter of the open surface 3523 may be equal to a diameter of the first accommodating body 3521. One end of the spring 340 may be accommodated in the first accommodating body 3521 through the open surface 3523.

A diameter of the open surface 3523 may be smaller than an overall diameter of the first accommodating body 3521 and greater than or equal to a diameter of the spring 340.

The lower middle block 362 may be provided symmetrically with the upper middle block 352.

The lower middle block 362 may include a second accommodating body 3621 accommodating the other end 342 of the spring 340, and a partition 3622 extending inwardly from the second accommodating body 3621 to fix the spring 340.

The second accommodating body 3621 may be provided with a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the spring 340 and be press-fitted with the spring 340.

The second accommodating body 3621 may be provided with a diameter much greater than the diameter of the spring 340. A degree of freedom in which the other end 342 of the spring 340 is able to move in a radial direction in the second accommodating body 3621 may be formed.

The second accommodating body 3621 may accommodate the outer circumferential surface of the other end 342 of the spring 340, and may allow radial movement of the spring 340 within a predetermined range. The second accommodating body 3621 may prevent the spring 340 from being bent or may prevent an excessive load from being applied to the spring 340.

The partition 3622 may have the connecting bar 333 penetrated therethrough. The partition 3622 may protrude inward from a portion of an inner circumferential surface of the second accommodating body 3621, or may protrude along an inner circumferential surface of the second accommodating body 3621.

The partition 3622 may be spaced apart from a free end of the second accommodating body 3621 by a distance greater than the thickness of the wire forming the spring 340, and a diameter of the partition 3622 may be smaller than the diameter of the spring 340.

The other end of the spring 340 may be accommodated in the second accommodating body 3621 with a sufficient length, and may be fixed to the partition 3622 so as not to be deviated from the partition 3622.

The lower middle block 362 may further include an adjustment body 3633 extending from the partition 3622 to be seated on the second bracket 320 and accommodating the connecting bar 333.

The adjustment body 3633 may be provided as a container for accommodating the connecting bar 333, and a diameter of the adjustment body 3633 may be greater than a diameter of a through hole formed in the second bracket 320.

The adjustment body 3633 may serve to separate the partition 3622 and the second accommodation body 3621 from the second bracket 320. That is, a length of the spring 340 may be reduced or the spring 340 having a shorter length may be induced to be installed.

Accordingly, by providing a short length of the spring 340, it is possible to further improve an elastic coefficient.

A diameter of the adjustment body 3633 may be greater than a diameter of the second accommodation body 3621. The lower middle block 362 may be stably seated on the second bracket 320.

A length of the adjustment body 3633 may be longer than adjustment body length of the second accommodating body 3621. The length of the spring 340 may be further reduced, and a vibration angle at which the spring 340 moves in the radial direction or left-right direction of the connecting bar 333 may be minimized.

The adjustment body 3633 may be provided to additionally accommodate a spring material 400 therein. In the suspension 300 of the present disclosure, a rubber damper and a spring damper may be applied at the same time.

The connecting part 330 including the upper middle block 352 and the lower middle block 362 may also be connected to the first bracket 310 and the second bracket 320, in the same manner as do the upper middle block 351 and the lower middle block 361.

FIG. 8 shows another example of the present suspension.

In addition to the middle block 350 and 360, the suspension 300 may further include an additional configuration capable of supporting the spring 340 or reducing or adjusting the length of the spring 340.

The first middle block 510 may include a first grip body 3531 provided to support the upper block 5211 or the first bracket 320, a first grip ring 3532 extending from the first grip body 3531 to receive an outer side of one end 341 of the spring 340, and a first grip 353 having a first channel 3533 that is provided inside one end 341 of the spring 340 in the first grip body 3531 to support the connecting bar 333.

The first grip ring 3532 may extend from the first grip body to accommodate the one end 341 of the spring, and may extend longer than the thickness of the wire forming the spring.

The first channel 3533 may extend from the first grip body so as to be located on an inner circumferential surface of the one end 341 of the spring, and may extend longer than the thickness of the one end 341 of the spring. The first channel 3533 may prevent the first grip 353 from tilting from the connecting bar 333.

The first grip 353 may be provided to accommodate both the inner circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface of the one end 341 of the spring 340, thereby preventing the position of the one end 341 of the spring 340 from being excessively changed.

The grip body 3531 may have a diameter greater than that of the through hole formed in the first bracket 310, and may be supported at a lower end of the through hole of the first bracket 310. It is possible to prevent the spring 340 from being deviated to the outside of the first bracket 310.

The first grip 353 may further include a first seating groove 3534 penetrated by the connecting bar 333 in the grip body 3531 and accommodating at least a portion of the upper block 331.

The first seating hole 3534 may be provided with a diameter greater than the diameter of the connecting bar 333, and may be provided with a diameter greater than a diameter of a free end of the upper block 331. The first seating hole 3534 may accommodate a portion of a lower end or free end of the first body portion 331 a.

The first grip 353 may be supported at the connecting bar 333 by the coupling ring 3533, and may be fixed in close contact with the first bracket 310 by the grip body 3531. A position of the first grip 353 on the first bracket 310 may be determined by the first seating hole 3534. With a position of one end of the spring 340 being fixed, the spring 340 may be stably installed at the connecting bar 333.

The second middle block 360 may include a second grip body 3631 having the connecting bar 333 penetrated therein, a second grip ring 3632 extending from the second grip body 3631 to receive an outside of the other end 342 of the spring 340, and a second grip 363 having a second channel that is provided inside the other end 342 of the spring in the second grip body 3631 to support the connecting bar 333.

The second grip 363 may be provided symmetrically with the first grip 353, and may have the same shape as that of the first grip 353. The single grip may be used as both of the first grip 353 and the second grip 363.

The second grip body 3631 may be provided with a diameter much greater than the diameter of the spring 340. The other end of the spring 340 may be prevented from being deviated to the outside of the second grip body 3631.

The second channel 3633 may extend from the second grip body 3631 in the longitudinal direction of the connecting bar 333 to prevent the second grip body 3631 from inclining in a left-right direction, and may be disposed at the inner circumferential surface of the spring 340.

The second grip ring 3632 may extend longer than the thickness of the other end 342 of the spring 340 from the second grip body 3631 to accommodate the other end 342 of the spring 340.

The other end 342 of the spring 340 may be prevented from being deviated to the outside from the second grip body 3631, and may be restricted from moving a predetermined distance in the radial direction. The spring 340 may be fixed to vibrate in accordance with the longitudinal direction of the connecting bar 333.

The connecting part 330 may further include an adjustment body 364 provided to support the second grip 363 in a state in which the second grip 363 is spaced apart from the second bracket 320.

The adjustment body 364 may include a rim portion 3641 extending to receive the connecting bar 333. The rim portion 3641 may be supported by the second bracket 320.

The rim portion 3641 may be provided along the longitudinal direction of the connecting bar 333, and may have a diameter capable of supporting one end of the second grip body 3631.

The rim portion 3641 may be provided to restrict movement of the second grip body 3631 toward the second bracket 320. The rim portion 3641 may determine an installation position of the other end 341 of the spring 340, and may set a limit point for moving in a direction toward the second bracket 320.

The adjustment body 364 may include a seating portion 3642 extending from the rim portion 3641 and partially inserted into the second bracket 320.

The rim portion 3641 may have a diameter greater than that of the through hole of the second bracket 320, and the seating portion 3642 may have a diameter smaller than that of the through hole of the second bracket 320.

The seating portion 3642 may prevent the rim portion 3641 from tilting in the radial direction, and may fix the rim portion 3641 to be stably disposed at the second bracket 320.

The second grip 363 may also be disposed relatively stably in spite of a great vibration, and the other end 342 of the spring 340 may also be stably disposed without a large positional change.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present disclosure without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure cover the modifications and variations of the present disclosure provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Certain embodiments or other embodiments of the disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct from each other. Any or all components of the embodiments of the disclosure described above may be combined with another or combined with each other in configuration or function.

For example, a configuration “A” described in one embodiment of the disclosure and the drawings and a configuration “B” described in another embodiment of the disclosure and the drawings may be combined with each other. Namely, although the combination between the configurations is not directly described, the combination is possible except in the case where it is described that the combination is impossible.

Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the scope of the principles of this disclosure. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A laundry treating apparatus comprising: a housing; a tub disposed inside the housing and having an extended cylindrical shape; a drum rotatably disposed in the tub; a driving part disposed below the tub and connected to the drum; a first bracket extending from the housing toward the tub, having a first through hole opened up and down, and having a cutout connected to the first through hole in an outer circumferential wall; a second bracket extending from the tub toward the housing, spaced apart from a lower side of the first bracket, and having a second through-hole opened up and down; and a suspension extending between the first bracket and the second bracket and connected to the first bracket and the second bracket, wherein the suspension comprises: an upper block disposed on the first bracket; a lower block disposed below the second bracket; a connecting bar passing through the upper block and the lower block, extending in a longitudinal direction of the tub, and having a diameter smaller than a width of the cutout; a spring extending along an up-down direction, disposed below the upper block, and surrounding the connecting bar; and a first middle block disposed between the upper block and the spring to be movable downward with respect to the upper block, and having the connecting passing therethrough.
 2. The laundry treating apparatus claim 1, wherein the first middle block is inserted into the first through hole.
 3. The laundry treating apparatus claim 1, wherein the first bracket comprises a seating surface inclined inwardly toward the first through hole, and wherein the upper block is seated on the seating surface and inserted into the first through hole.
 4. The laundry treating apparatus claim 1, further comprising: a second middle block spaced apart from a lower side of the first middle block and disposed between the lower block and the spring, wherein the spring is disposed between the first middle block and the second middle block.
 5. The laundry treating apparatus claim 4, wherein the first middle block comprises a bracket fastening hole opened upward, and wherein the first bracket comprises a fastening protrusion protruding toward the first middle block.
 6. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 5, wherein the first middle block comprises: an expansion ring disposed above the spring and having an outer diameter greater than an outer diameter of the spring; a coupling ring protruding downward of the expansion ring and having an outer diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the spring; a channel spaced apart inwardly from the expansion ring and having the connecting bar passing therethrough; and a plurality of ribs extending radially from an outer circumference of the channel toward an inner circumference of the expansion ring and spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the first middle block, wherein the bracket fastening hole is formed between the plurality of ribs.
 7. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 5, wherein the fastening protrusion is formed in the first through hole and is inserted into the bracket fastening hole in the first through hole.
 8. The laundry treating apparatus claim 4, wherein the second middle block comprises: a support body having an outer diameter greater than an outer diameter of the spring, disposed below the spring, and having at least a portion exposed above the second bracket; and a support protrusion protruding from an upper side of the second bracket to an outside of the support body and having a distance from a center of the support body to an outer end of the support body greater than a diameter of the second through hole.
 9. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 8, wherein the second middle block comprises a rim portion positioned below the support protrusion, having an outer diameter greater than an outer diameter of the support body, and seated on of the lower block.
 10. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 9, wherein at least a portion of the support body is inserted into the second through hole, wherein the rim portion is positioned in the second through hole, and wherein an upper wall of the second bracket is positioned between the support protrusion and the rim portion. 